Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

A 17-year-old girl and a two-year-old child suffered catastrophic injuries when they were struck by a driver suspected to be under the influence of marijuana and other drugs who was driving in reverse in a Cathedral City neighborhood. The accident happened at around 7 p.m. Sunday April 12th at the corner of El Canto Road and Santoro Drive, two blocks south of McCallum Way.

The suspected drunk driver, Cesar Adrian Munoz-Jiminez, backed into the teen, who was holding the toddler. The teenager suffered a partial amputation of her leg, and the toddler who was thrown from her arms sustained serious head injuries. Munoz-Jiminez struck two other vehicles before his vehicle came to a stop against the house. Witnesses detained the suspected drunk driver until law enforcement arrived. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, but could face additional charges pending the investigation.

Who Was At Fault?

If the news reports of this tragic accident are accurate, Munoz-Jiminez is at fault for this crash. Police are still investigating, and are looking for a teen driver who was in one of the vehicles that was struck and drove away. Anyone with information is asked to call Valley Crime Stoppers (760) 341-STOP. While this accident is under investigation, the families of the victims should contact a Riverside personal injury attorney about their legal rights following this accident. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law under California Vehicle Code § 23152. In addition to criminal charges for his actions, Munoz-Jiminez may be held financially accountable for his actions in a civil personal injury claim. An personal injury attorney can help the victims ensure they receive the full and fair compensation they are entitled to for their injuries, which may be substantial.